Alberta to provide funding to support biofuels, bioenergy

In early December, the government of Alberta announced plans to award $1.4 billion over seven years to support innovative projects funded by the Climate Leadership Plan. A portion of that funding will support bioenergy and biofuel projects.

A press release issued by the Alberta government indicates the innovation funding has five categories. Approximately $63 million will be awarded in grants for bioenergy projects, including biodiesel and ethanol, as well as biomass-based electricity generation. An additional $440 million will support oil sands innovation, $225 million will support new technologies that reduce emissions, $240 million will support industrial energy-efficiency projects, and $400 million in loan guarantees will support investment in efficiency and renewable energy measures to reduce risk for financial institutions and make it easier for companies to invest.

“The Alberta Bioenergy Producers Group is encouraged by today’s announcement to support innovation and bioenergy production in the province,” said Doug Hooper of the ABPG. “Alberta’s bioenergy producers are innovation leaders, with early investments across the province in clean, renewable energy production from sustainable forestry, agricultural and waste resources. ABPG looks forward to ongoing collaboration with the province to build a sustainable, resilient bioenergy sector as part of Alberta’s transition to a lower carbon economy.”